D’Amico Highlights Measure to Protect the Rights of Immigrant Tenants

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Landlords in Illinois will now be prohibited from using a tenant’s immigration status to threaten eviction under a new law from state Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago.

“Every family deserves to feel secure in their home, but unfortunately President Trump’s xenophobic rhetoric and actions have immigrant families in our community frightened,” D’Amico said. “Thankfully, Illinois is standing up for immigrant families by protecting their right to live without the fear that they will be evicted due to their status as immigrants.”

D’Amico supported Senate Bill 1290, the Immigrant Tenant Protection Act, to restrict the ability of a landlord to threaten, punish or evict or a tenant based solely on their actual or perceived immigration status. Violations of the new law can result in a civil penalty of up to $2,000. Illinois is now the second state, after California, to enact a law protecting immigrant tenants.

“Illinois values the contributions that hardworking immigrant families make to our state,” D’Amico said. “By banning landlords from using someone’s immigration status to threaten or harass a tenant, we can help ensure that those hardworking families feel welcome in Illinois.”